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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A sequence of chords that brings an end to a phrase - either in the middle or the end of a composition.






2. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






3. A melodic or - sometimes a harmonic idea presented in a musical form.






4. A quick 20th century dance written in double time.






5. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






6. The distance in pitch between two notes.






7. A symbol indicating the note is to be raised by one semitone.






8. Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.






9. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






10. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






11. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






12. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






13. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






14. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






15. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






16. The expression the performer brings when playing his instrument.






17. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






18. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






19. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






20. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






21. Slow and stately dance music written in triple time.






22. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






23. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






24. A reprise.






25. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






26. A combination of two or more staves on which all the notes are vertically aligned and performed simultaneously in differing registers and instruments.






27. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






28. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






29. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






30. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






31. The first violin in an orchestra.






32. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






33. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






34. A drama where the words are sung instead of spoken.






35. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






36. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






37. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






38. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






39. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






40. Groups of tones that are harmonious when sounded together as in a chord.






41. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






42. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






43. A composition written for nine instruments.






44. The first section of a movement written in sonata form - introducing the melodies and themes.






45. A composition written for three voices and instruments performed by three people






46. Two or more voices or instruments playing the same note simultaneously.






47. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






48. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






49. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






50. A direction to play expressively.







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